Nitmiluk National Park

Just around 244 to 340 km. southeast of Darwin is one of the must-see places in the region - the Nitmiluk National Park. Nitmiluk is composed of 292,800 hectares, which traditionally belongs to a group of aboriginal people called Jawoyn. At present, the historical park is maintained through the combined efforts of the Jawoyn and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.

Nitmiluk National Park's main feature and central attraction is the Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 magnificent gorges situated on the Edith Falls and Katherine Rivers. It is estimated that the formation of the gorges took 23 milion years through the heavy but swift-flowing downpour of water from the small cracks on the earth's surface.

Sites of Significance

More than a location of beautiful landscapes, the gorges and the places surrounding them have great traditional value for the Aboriginal Jawoyn. For this local group, Nitmiluk refers to a cicada dreaming place - a location of the mythological creation or a place where the spirits of creation stay.

Travelers can explore and experience the magnificence of the gorges and the other sceneries by cruise, helicopter, light plane, or foot. A short but gratifying river cruise will allow the visitors to pass through a breathtaking sight of gorges, rock holes, and the most popular cliff face, Jedda's Rock. As you enjoy the luxury of the cruise, you will certainly not help but admire the ancient art painted on the surfaces of the rocks. These timeless paintings, which are believed to be 7,000 years of age, are the representation of the sacred dreaming for the Jawoyn. Paintings are also very delicate that tourists are not permitted to touch them. This is the reason why visiting the gorges requires a high level of respect towards the sites and the arts in the Nitmiluk National Park.

Traveling through the Gorge

Tourists may also take an aerial view of the place by renting a light plane or helicopter. Likewise, they may prefer to go on foot, a 100 km-walk, challenging themselves to explore the deep rainforest, sharp stones, rocky escarpments, and steep cliffsMany people testify that exploring the place by foot is the best way to closely meet with nature and her overwhelming wonders. But to further protect these wonders including the animals and plants, the park's management is implementing strict rules within the area.

As travelers go back, they can use a different route beginning with the Smitt's Rock, where they can take a nice and soothing swim especially during the mid-day when the heat of the sun reaches 30 degrees Celsius. Next to the Smitt's Rock would be the Lilly Ponds, a beautiful location especially during the wet season. The succeeding stop would be the Butterfly Gorge, a place of butterflies fluttering around, creating an aura of happiness and peace. After the Butterfly Gorge an excellent elevated station called Windolf Walk where people can see the spectacular sight of the Katherine River in its grandeur. But the journey will be incomplete without visiting the Southern Rockhole, a small but lovely beach just perfect for tourists to take a dip and relax their aching muscles and joints.

The water coming from the gorges rapidly flows to the Katherine River, a body of water that starts in Kakadu and goes through the park's central part. The water continuously flows down to the river and ends its journey by joining the water of the Timor Sea. However, the water's current usually changes starting April until October. This is the time commonly known as the dry season. The water becomes peaceful and calm, providing an ideal place and surrounding for canoeing, fishing and swimming. In some portions of the river, visitors may see freshwater crocodiles, which, not like their saltwater counterparts, hardly attack people.

Ideal Months to Visit

The most ideal period to visit and explore the Katherine Gorge is around May to September. This is commonly the peak of the dry season. A tourist may still be allowed to visit the place during the wet season, but due to probable flooding and inclement weather, some limitations may be imposed on swimming, canoeing, hiking and other activities.

Other Activities

Aside from appreciating the nature's astonishing wonders, the park administration also offers fun and recreational activities such as boat ramp, camping, caravaning, flying tour, fishing, kiosk, picnic, and other physical activities. However, there are certain guidelines to be followed, which includes camping on specific places where fire and camping activities are allowable. Likewise, no pollutants such as soaps will be allowed within the park's vicinity. Though fishing is permitted, it has to be done under strict regulations.

Getting There

Nitmiluk National Park can easily be reached through highways and train line. From the intersection of the Victoria and Stuart Highways, visitors will have to travel around 314 km. to reach Katherine. This town is just 29 km. away from the exact location of the park.

Tourists driving their own cars coming from the south Australian region can pass through Alice Springs to reach the Stuart Highways and find the point where it intersects with the Victoria Highway. If coming from the western portion, you can go through the Kimberly region to get onto the Victoria Highway.

Traveling to Katherine through the train line is easiest. The town of Katherine is a main train station between South Australia's Adelaide and Northern Territory's Darwin.

Most guests wanting to view the gorges in Katherine frequently come from the Northern Territory capital city. They travel by plane or by buses using the Stuart Highway route.

Katherine Gorge has two entry points -- one in south and the other one in north. The southern entry point, which is a more common entry to the Nitmiluk, is a 30 km-drive from the town of Katherine. The northern entry point, on one hand, is 45 km. from the town and 20 km. to Edith Falls.

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